Study objective

To estimate the incidence of asthma in an elderly population and to describe the clinical characteristics, use of health services, and long-term survival of persons with onset of asthma after age 65 years.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Rochester, Minn.

Patients

All Rochester, Minn, residents age 65 years or older who met criteria for onset of definite or probable asthma from 1964 through 1983.

Interventions

None.

Measurements and results

Ninety-eight Rochester residents (52 female, 46 male) with onset of asthma at or after age 65 years were identified.